LETTER: Keep your eyes, mind open
As a liberal, here are some of my thoughts on the election and the upcoming Trump administration:
Donald Trump won the election any way you look at it. He won by 1.5% in the popular vote and by 86 electoral votes. The result was fairly decisive. As a Democrat in Massachusetts with my immediate family and many relatives living in Southwestern Pennsylvania who feel the same way I do politically, we have to accept that fact and understand that this result was the will of the majority.
I encourage everyone, whether you are conservative, liberal, or anywhere in between, to keep an open mind about everything that Trump’s upcoming presidency will bring. We will see if he can keep his promises of supercharging the economy, ending wars, and ushering in the “Golden Age of America.” I am quite skeptical, but if he succeeds, great. If not, I look forward to seeing what young, exciting candidate the Democrats nominate in 2028 to bring in a fresh change.
I’m very nervous to see who Trump nominates to the U.S. Supreme Court, should a vacancy arise. I’m nervous about Project 2025 policies and for the possibility of a national abortion ban or challenges to same-sex marriage. I’m nervous about the influence of unelected billionaires Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy on policy, even if they are acting under the guise of making the government more efficient. And I question how appointing unqualified rich donors to Cabinet positions is “draining the swamp”.
We need to stand up for all minorities, including transgender people. Everyone is a person and deserves compassion, and it shouldn’t take having to know someone who is transgender (or gay, etc.) to understand that they are human and deserve equal rights.
Democrats do have some very good, popular policy ideas: lowering taxes for the middle class; keeping corporate greed in check and ensuring corporations pay a fair tax rate; paid family and medical leave; child care tax credits; protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security; lowering the cost of prescription drugs; providing affordable healthcare and covering pre-existing conditions. These positions are very popular, but none of them are part of the agenda of the incoming administration. The Democrats need better messaging and a better messenger.
Let’s wish America good luck over the next four years, and remember to keep your eyes and minds open.
Matt Quarrick
Lunenburg, Mass.